Best Place to Swim for a Tri and Other Questions From A Newbie

I've been trying to muscle up the courage to actually train correctly for a triathlon.  I've signed up twice, and have yet been able to train correctly to even get to the start. 

My weak spot is swimming.  I went tonight to my public pool for a short swim.

Questions for the group:

1) Where is the best place to do open water swimming?  Oak Street Beach?

I live in Ravenswood.

2) Do I need a wet suit if I sign up for the super sprint in August?

Are their free swimming clinics for newbies similar to training rides?  I'm not sure I'd like to join a tri club, or at least just yet.

Maybe if I actually WRITE this here I will do it.  

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Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 5, 2012 at 1:35pm

Julie, do the tri! I second (or third or fourth) Ohio Street because it's marked and easy to sight there, but also mimics temp and conditions of the tri swim. Don't bring valuables and don't worry about a wetsuit unless you are just dying to try one - in that case I bet someone on here would loan you one for the season! I swim year-round at Welles Park for laps, and love it. Hours are wonky and it does cost some money, but really not bad. 

Permalink Reply by Omar Lopez on July 5, 2012 at 3:07pm

My weak spot is swimming.  I went tonight to my public pool for a short swim.

Questions for the group:

1) Where is the best place to do open water swimming?  Oak Street Beach?

I live in Ravenswood.    

O;  YES Ohio street beach just south of "Oak"

2) Do I need a wet suit if I sign up for the super sprint in August?

 O; NO NEED FOR WET SUIT unless you want to look like everyone else there!

Are their free swimming clinics for newbies similar to training rides?  I'm not sure I'd like to join a tri club, or at least just yet.

O; I was a swimming instructor for over 5 years, i would go help a group of people for FREE if this group existed....

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 5, 2012 at 4:45pm

Omar and Sarah - it would be nice to have a swimming 101 for cyclists, kinda like yoga for cyclist!


Omar Lopez said:

My weak spot is swimming.  I went tonight to my public pool for a short swim.

Questions for the group:

1) Where is the best place to do open water swimming?  Oak Street Beach?

I live in Ravenswood.    

O;  YES Ohio street beach just south of "Oak"

2) Do I need a wet suit if I sign up for the super sprint in August?

 O; NO NEED FOR WET SUIT unless you want to look like everyone else there!

Are their free swimming clinics for newbies similar to training rides?  I'm not sure I'd like to join a tri club, or at least just yet.

O; I was a swimming instructor for over 5 years, i would go help a group of people for FREE if this group existed....

Permalink Reply by Amber K on July 6, 2012 at 9:40am

Check out OPEN WATER CHICAGO. http://openwaterchicago.com/ They meet early like sometimes at 5:30 or 6:30 am on saturday or sunday mornings.

This is where I always swim. I know Steve who runs this group. He does private lessons.

Permalink Reply by Ted Ramos on July 6, 2012 at 10:23am

Hi, first time forum poster, long time triathlete.

The Lifetime Chicago Tri has free swim clinics for their race...

http://www.eventbrite.com/org/2384954632?s=8747390

A wet suit may not be required but it will help you float in the water and improve your body position making you faster and more confident. It will keep you warm as well. Look to get a wet suit designed for swimming.

your best bet to learn how to swim properly and be held accountable for showing up to train every week is to join a swim class focused on teaching freestyle. following a guided program will give you the skills needed to be confident on race day...

http://wellfitinc.com/classes/swimPrograms/swimtechIIIopenwaterswim...

Permalink Reply by Greg Makowski on July 9, 2012 at 3:50am

Deciding on a wet suit should be based on water temperature.  Which on Lake Michigan can change rather quickly from one day to the next depending on weather conditions.  Swimming in cold water without adequate protection can quickly lead to hypothermia.  

The link below show surface water temperature near Chicago

http://www.coastwatch.msu.edu/michigan/m54.html

The chart in this link gives some guide as to what type of wetsuit for different water temps

http://www.wetsuitmegastore.com/wetsuit/6-wetsuit-temperature-guide...

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 9, 2012 at 4:09am

Thanks everyone.  I'm ready to swim tonight.  I need to buy better goggles too. I have a pretty small head.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 9, 2012 at 4:29am
Julie, I sorta hate the place, but sports authority has a good selection of goggles, including junior and "femme" sizing that may for better...also different finishes for pool and outdoor/open water use.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on July 9, 2012 at 4:31am

thanks.  do you want to swim tonight with me if you are free? I'll email you. 

Sarah Dandelles said:

Julie, I sorta hate the place, but sports authority has a good selection of goggles, including junior and "femme" sizing that may for better...also different finishes for pool and outdoor/open water use.
Permalink Reply by MJ Gasik on July 9, 2012 at 4:51am

I've found that www.urbantrigear.com carries a lot of great swim equipment.  They have 2 stores, Burr Ridge and Westmont, but if that's too far for you to drive, you can order online.  The owners are swimmers, so they usually have a great selection of anything you need.

Permalink Reply by yaj 7.4 on July 14, 2012 at 8:48am

Free Open Water Swim Clinic with Infinity Coach – Maurice Wills

Date: 7/15/2012
From: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Where: 63rd Street Beach (6300 S Lake Shore Drive)

Prepare for your open water swim experience; become more comfortable and confident in the water at your next triathlon, Learn essential safety skills such as treading water, cramp release, goggle clearing strategies, etc.; swimming skills (relaxed and efficient freestyle and basic sighting); and advanced skills (drafting, sighting with speed, tempo, race strategy). This clinic is open to both novice and experienced triathletes. Bring your wetsuit and come prepared to get into the water. We will meet at 63rd Street Beach.

Permalink Reply by dana on July 14, 2012 at 9:52am

totally agree with ohio street beach, AKA "Tri-Beach."  when i lived in NYC and was starting to do tris, i would have loved a spot like this!  full of triathletes and also marked with distances.  it's also fun to be able to look at the buildings and see how far you've gone!  the problem i always run into is what to do with your stuff while you swim, but if you don't have any valuables you can always lock your bag to your bike.  wetsuits are helpful but not essential for short distances in warm weather.  feel free to add me to your email when you go out for a swim!

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